Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture Audley Shaw announced that Jamaica has made its first shipment of medical marijuana extracted oil to Canada, marking the first step in positioning Jamaica as the world’s medical marijuana hub.

According to Shaw, the shipment was authorized through an import permit issued by the government of Canada through Health Canada for Jamaica and an export permit issued by the Ministry of Health in Jamaica.

Shaw said in a statement, “Jamaica is uniquely positioned to be a global player and we are committed to providing the leadership and resources required for opening the international markets, including Canada and Europe, for our licensed and regulated Jamaican companies.”

According to the CEO of the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CAL) Lincoln Allen, who endorsed Shaw’s statement, he has also identified international export opportunities as major target for the CLA.

The import permit from Health Canada was obtained on behalf of Jamaica-based licensed producer Timeless Herbal Care, which was granted an export permit by the Ministry of Health in Jamaica.